Submissions open July 1st through October 1st 2026.

Entry Rules

The ConnectHER Film Festival is an international youth competition that welcomes short films about issues that impact women and girls. Before making a film for submission, please read all of the following entry requirements and FAQs. We are excited to see your submissions! Good luck!

1. Films must focus on one of our topic areas listed here. 
2. We accept every type of filmmaking form and style; whether animation or live-action, documentary or narrative.
3. Filmmakers must be 13 to 25 years old at the submission date. That means that scripts, storyboards, directing, cinematography, editing, etc., must be done by people who meet this age requirement. Actors can be any age. As part of the application process, all applicants are required to submit a valid proof of identity. Please provide one of the following accepted documents:
   • Passport (recommended for international applicants) or National ID card or Driver's license or State/provincial ID card
   • For minors: School ID with photo, accompanied by an original birth certificate

   Any official government-issued document bearing a photograph and date of birth will be considered for verification purposes. Please note that we reserve the right to request a second form of identification if deemed necessary.

4. Films must be original works that have not yet been screened at other major film festivals.
5. Films must have been completed after October 1, 2025.
6. Films must be 3 to 6 minutes long. An exception applies to animated films, which may have a runtime of 2 to 6 minutes.
7. Film file formats accepted are .mov and .mp4. HD resolution and optimized sound quality are highly preferred. 
8. All participants must adhere to the following file naming format when submitting materials: 
   • Portrait/Headshot File: Must be named using the participant's first and last name, formatted as: FirstName_LastName (e.g. Jane_Doe.jpg).
   • Film File: Must be named using the film title followed by the names of all filmmakers, formatted as: Title_by_FilmmakersNames_Country (e.g., Sunrise_by_JaneDoe_JohnSmith_AmyLee_UnitedKingdom.mp4).
   • Thumbnail File: Must be named Film Title_Thumbnail (e.g., Sunrise_Thumbnail.jpeg).

   Submissions that do not follow this naming convention may be disqualified or returned for correction.

9. Our viewers love seeing organizations that create real-world solutions! At the end of your film, please include a graphic featuring the names and logos of two local, regional, or national organizations working to solve the issue.
10. All films must be subtitled in English.
11. Films must be submitted by the deadline to qualify. No late submissions will be accepted.
12. If your film contains any graphic content, include a warning near the beginning of the film. ConnectHER has full discretion in accepting films, particularly in instances where film submissions contain nudity, profanity, violence, or sexually explicit content.
13. PowerPoints will not be accepted. Films must have some cinematic value.
14. AI Policy. Films must be principally created through human authorship. Films that use generative AI to create substantive visual, audio, or narrative content are not eligible for consideration. AI-assisted tools used for technical, administrative, accessibility, or post-production functions (including transcription, subtitling, captioning, color correction, noise reduction, and similar functions) are permitted but must be disclosed at the time of submission. Failure to disclose AI use may result in disqualification. ConnectHER reserves the right to request additional information regarding AI use and to determine eligibility in its sole discretion.
15. Digital submission through Google Drive is preferred, but Dropbox also works.

All submissions will go through several rounds of review — including screening, semifinalist, and finalist judging — conducted by ConnectHER’s appointed judges. While we are deeply grateful to every participant and take great care in evaluating each film, ConnectHER reserves the right to make all final decisions regarding selections, awards, and eligibility.

See additional FAQ'S